Process and apparatus for straightening rails



April 25, 1933. p GAST 7 1,906,002

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILS Filed April 28, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Invenlor i ja zeZZfad'Z April 25, 1933.- P. H. GAST 1,906,002

I PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING' RAILS Filed April 28, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor fazlZE 422.52

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f1 ltomey April 25, 1933. P. H. GAST 1,906,002

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILS Filed April 28, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor j azj yats'i April 25, 1933. p H. -r 1,906,002

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PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILS Filed April 28, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 jaal if {035 By 2mm April 25, 1933.

P. H. GAST Filed April 28, 1952 PROCESS AND AFPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Apr. 25, 1933 UNITED STATES PAUL H. GAST, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENIING RAILS Application filed April 28,

This invention relates to a method andapparatus for straightening rails, and is in part a continuation ofmy co-pending application Serial No. 426,996, which was filed on the 8th day of February 1930.

In the method now "in general use in rail mills, a vertical type of gag press is used, in which the rail to be straightened rests on its side for line straightening, one flange and the head of the rail resting on the anvils of the press' At present, two men are required tooperate the press of this type, a straightener and a gagger.

To straighten the rails, the gagger inserts between the rain of the press and the rail a gag of proper thickness, the press being in continuous operation and repeating the operation, until the rail is straightened satisfactorily on its transverse axis. To straighten on the vertical axis, the rail is turned so that the base of the rail'rests on the anvil of the press, and the gag inserted between the ram and the headof the rail. In this method of straightening the pressure 1 of the arm as applied to the flange of the rail is not parallel to the base but at an angle due to the manner in which the rail rests on the anvil of the press, with the result that it frequently causes a distortion of the edge of the rail flange. This method of gagging also mars the head of the rail at times and results in rejection and failure of the rails due to the gag having to be made narrow so as to keep its weight down to a point where it can be easily handled. This method is also dangerous to the gagger in case the rail breaks and he is struck by flying pieces during the gagging operation.

Another disadvantage of this method is that the gagger relies upon a signal from the straightener where to place the gag, and

he must use judgment how far to place the gag under the tapered head of the ram.

This unreliable method frequently results in local distortion which may be suificient cause for rejection due to the inherent stresses set up by severe treatment.

By my improved method and apparatus I overcome the disadvantages and defects of f 1932. Serial No. 608,050.

the present-day method. I contemplate usmg a horizontal type of press equipped with adjustable gag blocks and anvlls havlng relatively broad faces, and so designed that the pressures are applied in line with both the transverse and vertical axis, and in such a manner that neither the flange nor head of the rails will be marred during the straightening operation.

Furthermore, in such a press, all of the operations are controlled by one man. The

rail may be turned and the gags operated at the will of the operator. The controls for all operations of the press may be concentrated at a central location most convenient for the operator.

An object of my invention is the provision of a method and operation for straightening rails whereby injury to the rails will be reduced.

Another object of my invention is to provide a straightening press having all the controls under the supervision of one man.

A further object is to provide amethod and apparatus whereby rails may be straightened in a more eificient and economical manner. I

Other important objects of and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings Figure 1 represents a plan view of the press in open position, with the rail resting on its side.

' Fig. 2 represents a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 represents an end elevational view of the press.

Fig. 4 represents a plan view of a rail lying on its side and having a left bend as viewed by the operator, and the relative positions of the anvils and gags for vertically straightening the rail.

Fig. 5 represents an end view of one rail and the relative position of the anvil and gags shown in Fig. 4.

tions of the anvils and gags for vertically" straightening the rail.

Fig. 7 represents an end view of the rail in the relative positions of the anvils and as viewed b the operator, and the relative positions 0 'the anvils and gags for transversely straightening the rail.

} Fig. 11 represents an end elevational view of the rail and the relative positions of the anvils and gags as shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 represents a rail resting on its base and having a left bend, and relative positions of the anvils and gags adapted to engage the flange and the head of the rail for transverse straightening.

Fig. 13 represents a rail resting on its base and having a right bend, and the relative positions of the anvils and gags adapted to engage both the flange and head of the rail, for transverse straightening.

' Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are diagrammatic views disclosing steps in the method of manipulation, whereby therail is turned in either direction.

Fig. 16 represents a fragmentary side elevational view of the machine showing electro-magnetic means whereby the auxiliary anvils can be operated.

Fig. 17 represents a perspective view of one of the anvils.

The type of press as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, is generally similar to that shown in Patent 844,425 to Taylor, and Patent 523,770 to Lundahl. The base frame 20, upright frame 21, reciprocating ram 22, adjustable head 23, rollers 24 and the mechanlsm for 0 rating these various parts are similar to t e Taylor press but the means 25 for operating the adjustable center gags are similar in a general way to the Lundahl patent.

Inasmuch as the general features of the press is prior art, further description is unnecessary.

My invention resides in the manner in which rails are positioned and turned in a press of this type, and the particular formation of the anvils and gags for accomplishing the straightening of the rails. Heretofore a press of this type was used" solely for straightening I beams and the like, but

with the application of specially shaped anvils and gags, I have adapted this press for the straightening of rails, in a more Fig. 7. The

eflicient and economical manner than is being accomplished by the old method now generally 1n use.

Figs. 5 and 7 and 9, 12 to 15 are viewed from the position of the 0 erator as indicated by X in Fig. 1 an looking in the direction of the arrow. The sectional view Fig. 2 is taken looln'ng in the opposite direction as viewed by the operator.

The anvils and gags required to straighten a rail by my method are of four different styles. The two end anvils 26 are alike and the two end anvils 27 are alike, while the center gags 28 and 29 are both different. Anvils 26 and 27 are detachably mounted in members 22 and'23 by means of dovetails 3O fitting the dovetailed slots. The gags 28 and 29 are slidably'mounted in dovetailed slots 31 of members 22 and 23 of the press. Only gags 28 and 29 are moved up and down during the operation, the end anvils remaining in fixed positions.

The anvil 26 comprises a rectangular body portion 32 and dovetail 30. This anvil is provided near its lower end with an angularly projecting portion 33 which is adapted to engage the base of a rail lying'on its side and supported by rolls 24 as shown in ortion 34 is adapted to engage the base flan e of the rail when standing on its base as own in Fig. 9.

Anvil 27 is generally similar to anvil 26 with the exception of its lower end. In

this case the beveled portion 35 is shaped so as to engage the head of a rail lying on its side as shown in Fig. 5 and the portion 36 will en age the base flange of the rail when stan ing on its base as shown in Fig. 11. talpped holes 37 for inserting lifting eyes w en it is desired to change anvils.

Gag 28 comprises a rectangular body portion 38 and a dovetailed portion 49. This gag is also provided with an angularly projecting portion 40 which is simllar to portion 33 of anvil 26. This projection is adapted to engage the base of a rail lying on its side as shown in Fig. 5. Below portion 40 is a flat portion 41 which is adapted to engage the base flange of the railas shown in Fig. 11, and below portion 41 is a lip 42 for the pu ose of engaging the under side of the rail base to turn the rail on its side when the gag is raised as shown in Figs. 14 and 12.

Gag 29 comprises a rectangular body portion 43 and dovetailed portion 44. This gag is provided with a beveled portion 45 adapted to engage the head of a rail lying on its side as shown in Fig. 7. Below this beveled portion is a flat portion 46 which engages the base flange of the rail as shown in'Fig. 9. The gag is formed at its lower end with a projectin shelf portion 47 which has a rounded an upwardly extending Anvils 26 and 27 are provided withfinger 48 which is adapted to engage the under side of the head of the rail so as to turn the rail on its base when the gag is raised as shown in Figs. 15 and 13.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate modifications of the gags and anvils just described. In this case the anvils 26 have upper portions 49 which are adapted to engage the side of the rail head as well as the usual portions 33 and 34 for engaging the bottom and edge of the base flange. Anvils 27 are also shown with head engaging portions 50 as well as the usual head and flange engaging portions 35 and 36. Gag 28 is shown with a head engaging portion-51, and gag 29 is shown with the projecting portion 52 for engaging the side of the rail head. \Vhen using anvils and gags as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, both the head and base flange will be simultaneously engaged on both sides of the rail when straightening for a transverse bend, and the forces applied 50 as to be at right angles to the vertical axis of the rail, thereby preventing any twisting or buckling in either the head of the base of the rail. It will be understood that different gags and anvils will be used for different sizes and types of rails.

, For the purpose of describing the operation of straightening a rail, let it be assumed that the rail has a transverse rightbend as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. and a longitudinal right bend as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The operator willbe seated at a convenient point X and at a height to permit the proper and clear vision of the work in hand. lVith the press in its opened position, therail is fed into the press by means ofdriven feed rollers (not shown) on opposite sides of the press and by the rolls 2-1 of the press. The operator will now cause head 23 to move in the direction of the constantly reciprocating ram 22, bringing the rail to bear against anvils 26 and gag 29. As the head'23 is moved toward the rail a predetermined distance, a blow of predetermined force is struck or pressed against thebase of the rail at a point midway the two fixed anvils 26. The rail is moved in either direction by means of the table rolls and the operation continued until the rail is straightened in' this plane.

After the transverse straightening is completed in order to turn the rail on its side from the position as shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 11, head 23 is run out a short distance and gag 28 is dropped which slightly pushes the rail over until the gag 28 is in the position as shown in Fig. .11. The rail is now pushed into engagement with 28 and the gag raised to engage the underside ofthe rail at its edge which causes the rail to be turned on its side for vertical straightening. The head 23 is again moved in the direction of the reciprocating ram bringing the rail to bear a ainst anvils 26 and gag 29, and a blow o predetermined force is struck or pressed against the bottom of the rail. The rail is moved through the press in either direction and the pressing operation continued until the rail is straight.

For operating the structure shown in Fig. 16 an auxiliary set of anvils 26-27 are mounted very close to gags 28-29 and are to be used only to remove bends near the ends of rails. A solenoid is supported 'by brackets 76 above-each of these anvils,

the same being provided with a movable core 77 connecting the rockable arm 78 by a pin and slot connection 79. \Vhen this rockable arm 7 9 is connected by a link 80 to the corresponding anvil 26-27 the opposite end of the arm is provided with a counter weight 81. Thus it can be seen that these anvils can be adjusted by remote control. These anvils are always above the path of a. rail being straightened, except when it is desired to bring one or the other into the zone of operation, for the purpose of shortening centers, necessary to remove bends near the ends of the rail.

\Vhile I have explained the straightening of a rail in a certain sequence of operations, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that it may be carriedout in any manner found convenient or necessary by the operator as conditions may demand.

From the foregoing descriptions of the apparatus and the method of operation it will be seen that-I have devised a method of straightening rails. whereby rails may be straightened in a press of the type heretofore adapted only to straighten beams. This, I accomplish by providing gags adapted to the particular requirements for handling the rails,

Furthermore, the pressure as applied to the rail is either at right angles to the vertical axis of the rail or substantially parallel thereto. By providing mechanically operated gags I am enabled to make the faces ofthe gags much wider than is possible with the old hand handled gags of restricted weight. Another feature is the matter of elficiency and economy. By my method and apparatus, one man controls all operations, and he can straighten more rails in a unit of time and with less rejections than can several men by the old method.

My method also possesses advantages over the old method: There is no distortion along the base flange due to the use of narrow gags; the head of\ the rail is not marred;

there is-no danger of injury to the operator in case a rail should break only one man is required for the entire operation; fewer rails are rejected by the inspectors; and the rails thus straightened have fewer inherent weaknesses than rails straightened by the old method.

This method and apparatus is well adapted to straighten the so-called contact rail which has always been a hard rail to straighten. Four men are required by the old method to straighten a rail of this type, which is followed by an operation to remove the twist. This is accomplished by seven men. The process is very slow and the output small.

By my method, one man can do all the work heretofore accomplished by many 'man, and at the same time increase production many times over and produce a better rail.

Various modifications obviously may be made in the details of the foregoing construction without departing from the spirit of the invention as embodied in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a rail straightening press, the combination with a reciprocating ram and an adjustable head, each ram and head having a slidable gag and also anvils arranged to cooperate with the opposing gags, one'of said gags being adapted to engage the under side of the rail base and'the other gag being adapted to engage the head of the rail to turn the rail in either direction when one or the other of said gags is raised, and mechanism for operating the anvils. 2. In a rail straightening press, the combination of opposite pressing heads and means for reciprocating one of them, slidable gags for said heads, said gags havin faces for engaging the edges of the base of a rail when the rail is resting on its base, one of' said gags having a beveled face for engaging the bottom of a rail and the other gag having a beveled fare for engaging the top of a rail when'the rail is positioned on its side, projecting portions on both of said gags adapted to engage and turn the rail when either of said gags is raised, and mechanism for voperatin the gags.

3. In a rail straightening press the combination of opposite pressing heads and means for reciprocating one of them, slidable gags for said'heads, said gags being adapted to engage both the head and base flange of one side of the rail when the rail is resting on its base, one of said gags being adapted to engage the bottom of the rail and the other gag being adapted to engage the top of the rail when the rail is positioned on its side, projecting portions on both of said gags adapted to engage and turn the rail when either of said gags is raised, and mechanism for operating the gags.

4. In a rail straightemng press, the combination of opposite pressing heads and means for reciprocating one of-them, said reciprocating head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, said gag being formed at its lower end with a vertical face,

outwardly portion above said beveled portion and another outwardly beveled portion positioned above said recess, the working faces of said gag being sufliciently broad to prevent injury to a rail when brought against the rail with sufficient force to straighten it.

5. In a rail straightening press, the combination of a reciprocating head and an adjustable head, said adjustable head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, said gag being formed at its lower end with an wardly pro ectin finger formed at the outer edge of said shel portion, a recessed portion inside of and extending below the top of said finger, a vertical portion extending upwardly from said recess, and anupwardly and inwardly beveled portion positioned above said vertical portion, the working faces of said gag being sufliciently broad to prevent injury to a rail when brought against the rail with suflicient force to straighten it.

6. In arail' straightening press, the combination of opposlte pressing heads and means for -reciprocating one of them, said reciprocating head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, said gag being formed at its lower end with a vertical face for engaging the edge of a rail base when positioned on its base, a beveled portion extending upwardly and outwardly from said vertical face, a recessed portion above said beveled portion for engaging the edge of the rail at its under side, another outwardly beveled portion above said recess adapted to engage the portion of a rail when positioned on its side and also adapted to engage theside of a rail head when the rail is positioned on its base, said rail base edge and side of the head engaging portions being aligned so as to simultaneously engage the respective portion ofthe rail when positioned on its base, and the working faces of said gag being sufiiciently broad to revent injury to a rail when brought against the rail with suflicient' force to straighten positioned above the said recess and said finger for engaging the top of a rail when positioned on its side, an outwardly projecting portion positioned above said beveled portion for when the H l pblitioned on its base, said rojecting shelf portion, an up-- fligaging the side of a rail head an upwardly and inwardly beveled portion rail base edge and side of head engaging portions being aligned so as to simultaneously engage the respective portions of the rail when positioned on its base, and the working faces of said gag being sufliciently broad to prevent injury to a rail when brought against the rail with suflicient force to straighten it.

8. In a rail straightening press, the combination of opposite pressing heads and means for reciprocating one of them, said reciprocating head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, each of said anvils being formed at its lower end with a vertical face, a beveled portion extending outwardly and upwardly from said vertical face, said face and said bevelled portion being sufficiently broad to prevent injury to a rail when brought against the rail with suflicient force to straighten it.

9. In a rail straightening press, the combination of a reciprocating head and an adjustable head, said adjustable head having a vertically slidin gag and fixed anvils, each of said anvils eing formed at its lower end with a vertical face, a beveled portion extending upwardly and inwardly from said face, said face and said beveled portion being sufficiently broad to prevent in ury to a ficient force to straighten it.

10. In a rail straightening press, the combination of opposite pressing heads and means for reciprocating one of them, saidreciprocating head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, each of said anv1ls being formed at its lower end with a vertical face for engaging the edge of a rail base when positioned on its base, a beveled portion extending outwardly and upwardly from said vertical face and adapted to engage the bottom of a rail when positioned on its side and alsoadapted to engage the side of a rail head when the rail is positioned on its base, said rail base edge and side of head engaging portions being aligned so as tosimultaneously engage the respective portions of the rail when positioned on its base, and the working faces of said anvils being sufficiently broad to prevent injury to a rail when brought with suflicient force'against the rail to straighten it.

11. In a rail straightening press, the combination of a reciprocating head and an adjustable head, said adjustable head having a vertically sliding gag and fixed anvils, each of said anvils being formed at its lower end with a vertical face for engaging the edge of a rail base when positioned on its base, a

beveled portion extending upwardly and inwardly from said face for engaging the top of a rail when positioned on its side, an outwardly projecting portion positioned above the beveled portion for engaging the side of a rail head when the rail is positioned on its base, said rail base edge and side of head engaging portions being aligned so as to simultaneously engage the respective portions of the rail when positioned on its base, and the working faces of said anvils being sufficientlybroad so as to prevent injury to a rail when brought with sufficient force against the rail to straighten it.

12. The method of straightening rails consisting in supporting a rail on its base, backing up one side of the base of the rail at two points applying ulsating ressures to the opposite side of t e base 0' the rail and intermediate said points to flex the rail at right angles to its vertical axis, turning the rail on its side so that it will rest on the edges of its base and head portions, backing up either the head or the base and head portions of the rail at two points, and applying pulsating pressures opposite said points to either the base or the head of the rail and normal thereto intermediate said points to a flex the rail in either direction to its vertical axis, turning the rail back on its base, repeating the pressing operations, moving the rail back and forth through the zone of operation and regulating the intensity of said pressures, all of said pressing operations being applied to broad surfaces of the rail so rail when brought against the rail with sufas not to mar or deform any portion thereof.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature.

PAUL H. GAST. 

